Bill > S07578

This bill simplifies eligibility requirements for the cooling assistance component of the home energy assistance program by removing the current requirement that households must demonstrate the presence of at least one person with a documented medical condition exacerbated by extreme heat. Under the current rules, applicants needed to provide medical documentation proving a household member's vulnerability to heat to receive cooling assistance benefits. The bill would eliminate this documentation barrier, potentially making cooling assistance more accessible to low-income households during periods of extreme heat. The bill's implementation is contingent upon receiving federal confirmation that this change will not jeopardize the state's participation in the federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Once the state receives confirmation from the federal Department of Health and Human Services, the bill will take effect thirty days later, with the state commissioner of social services required to notify the legislative bill drafting commission of this determination.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S7578